Oprah didn’t go into any details (thank goodness) but she did ask Jennifer how she’s doing.  She told O that she’s “in a very good place” and that performing is “therapeutic.”

So far, 2009 is off to a good start for Jennifer – she has won a Grammy Award and she performed at Super Bowl XLIII.  I sincerely hope that things continue along this positive track for her this year.  She definitely deserves it.  After the short interview, Jennifer sang “If This Isn’t Love” from her debut CD.  Watch the performance here:

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Her performance garnered a standing ovation. Watch it here:

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Jennifer Hudson is clearly a very strong woman.  She has been through so many ups and downs in her life with, most likely, the lowest point coming after the murders of her mother, brother and young nephew but she’s picking up the pieces and moving on.

The American Idol star has decided to go ahead with her plans to shoot a music video for her new single "If It Isn’t Love" in Los Angeles.  Jennifer’s self-titled album has received four Grammy nominations which she has called "a blessing."  She is amazing.

Let me just say something.  You’ve got people like Nikki McKibbon who leave Idol and go on and blame judge, Simon Cowell, for their depression or drug use because he was hard on them or said things that hurt their feelings.  Then there are people like Jennifer Hudson who leave and go on to prove that whatever Simon said was wrong.  That’s the best revenge and, of course, the healthier option.  Someone in life is always going to think you aren’t good enough.  Instead of running and crying in a corner, face it head-on and prove them wrong.  That’s why I love Jennifer. 

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William, the estranged husband of Jennifer’s sister, Julia, was already in jail for a parole violation when he was charged.  Last month, it was discovered that he possessed a gun that matched the one used in crimes.  This story is so sad on so many different levels.  I hope the Hudson family can begin to find some peace in all of this sorrow.

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Jennifer Hudson is the definition of the phrase "the show must go on."  Despite suffering some terrible losses late last month, the former American Idol finalist has chosen to go ahead with the holiday Gap campaign featuring her smiling face.

The Gap gave her the option of backing out but a spokesperson for the clothing company explained that "she said she wanted to be a part of it and that we [The Gap] should move forward."

Meanwhile, she has shown her appreciation for the outpouring of love and support from her fans during this sad and tragic time.  On her MySpace blog she wrote: "I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  My sister and I take great comfort and strength from your love and concern."

The funerals for her mother Darnell Donerson, brother Jason Hudson and nephew Julian King were held recently in Chicago.  Her sister, Julia’s estranged husband, William Balfour, is being held on suspicion for being connected with the murders.

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William Balfour, the main suspect in the Hudson family murders, reportedly told his current girlfriend that he was involved in the tragic crime.  He also admitted to being inside of the Hudson’s home on the morning Darnell Donerson and Jason Hudson were shot and killed.  Little Julian King was found shot twice in the head in the back of a Suburban three days later.

Balfour, who is married to Jennifer Hudson’s sister, Julia, was out on parole when the killings occurred and will have a hearing later this morning where a review board will decide whether there is “probable cause to believe Balfour has committed a crime, or violated his parole in some other manner.”  If that is the board’s finding, he will be held for further hearings.  On the other hand, if there is no probable cause, he will be set free.

I really hope that, given the fact that his girlfriend claims he admitted being involved and he told police he was in the house that morning, there is enough evidence to keep him behind bars as they continue to investigate this tragedy.  I wish he would just fully confess (if he did it) so that this family can begin the long and painful healing process.

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A public memorial service will be held on Sunday for the Hudson family, mourning the tragic death of Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew.

“The Hudson family welcomes anyone who wishes to attend and pay their respects to these three beloved members of the Chicago community” says Jennifer’s rep.

The memorial will be held between 4-7 p.m. at the Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church. The church’s address is 4526 S. Greenwood in Chicago. Jennifer and sister Julia are not expected to be attending the public memorial.

Will any of you be going? I’m grateful that they are holding a public memorial for the community to mourn the loss. The situation is so tragic. My condolences to the Hudson family and anyone who was affected by the death of the victims.

*Written by Lauren Croteau

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If you are a member (it’s free!) you can save the dolls in your Album. You can only save the dolls with a plus sign next to the names (+).

There are Stardolls for Sanjaya Malakar (see below), Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Bo Bice and Kelly Clarkson. If you make one and save it, send it to me!

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Photos from Reuters or AP

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Can you even imagine what kind of a whirlwind experience this has been for Jennifer? American Idol, major motion picture role, winning a Golden Globe and now an Oscar? I’d call that a fairly successful year for her!

Congratulations Jennifer! And to all the current idol contestants, you’ve made it this far for a reason, keep your wits about you and just see what you can accomplish.

Update: Here’s an article from Yahoo! News about her win and also some more photos.

Later in the show she also performed with her fellow cast stars a few songs from the movie. They really performed great and it was impressive to see Jennifer Hudson outshine and out-perform Beyonce Knowles.

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